Remembering Dan Yankelovich

Daniel Yankelovich

Daniel Yankelovich

Dan Yankelovich, co-founder of Public Agenda, has passed after almost 93 years. His life brimmed with intellectual adventure, real-world accomplishment and service to the nation. A great American, he never stopped working for a better democracy and his seminal contributions mark a way forward beyond the wayward path on which we now find ourselves as a nation.

I have known Dan for almost 25 years and he meant a tremendous amount to me, as he has to all the Public Agenda veterans who had the opportunity to get to know him. I've never met anyone with such penetrating insights into the big problems and patterns of the times and who was so generative of pragmatic and wise ideas and solutions.

A classic example of Dan’s mind at work was his trenchant response to Robert McNamara’s belief that he could quantify success in Vietnam through body counts. Dan dissected this thinking as only he could. “The first step,” he wrote, “is to measure whatever can be easily measured. This is OK as far as it goes.” Then he goes on:

The second step is to disregard that which can't be easily measured or to give it an arbitrary quantitative value. This is artificial and misleading. The third step is to presume that what can't be measured easily really isn't important. This is blindness. The fourth step is to say that what can't be easily measured really doesn't exist. This is suicide.

Will Friedman, Daniel Yankelovich, Cyrus Vance Jr.

His many seminal insights have enlightened us on the difference between raw public opinion and wiser public judgment; the stages people go through to achieve the latter; the factors that help or hinder them in doing so; and what all of this means for democracy, public policy, social change, research and leadership.

When visiting him in San Diego, he’d offer something to drink, cookies and a sun hat from a collection that had built up over the years. You’d settle into a chair on the peaceful patio behind his house and ideas would pour forth in his gentle Boston accent, remnant of the poor Dorchester kid he once was. He’d discuss under-appreciated trends, wrong-headed solutions, unseen business opportunities or his latest project (“You’re writing another book?”).

Dan worked steadily, even relentlessly, to put his ideas into practice throughout his highly-productive life. He led numerous landmark studies, authored 13 books, advised presidents and founded or cofounded numerous enterprises. I am proud and humbled that in his last book, Wicked Problems, Workable Solutions, published in 2014, he wrote:

Founding the Public Agenda has come to hold a special meaning for me. [It] is dedicated to making our democracy work better through engaging the public in the truly important issues of the times...To my mind, the Public Agenda is just the kind of institution the nation needs to reboot our democracy.

In that same book he also wrote:

It takes more than just voting to make democracy work. It takes a responsible, thoughtful public voice. All Americans should be conscious of how precious—and fragile—our democracy is. Participating in making it a more just and effective problem-solving institution is a privilege, and ought to be a source of immense personal satisfaction.

It is indeed a privilege to work for a more just and effective democracy, and our own special privilege at Public Agenda to build on Dan's fruitful ideas. For us and so many others it is a sad moment, but also one to celebrate a brilliant life. Then it will be time to get back to work, for there is much to do.

Remembering Dan Yankelovich

Dan Yankelovich, co-founder of Public Agenda, has passed after almost 93 years. His life brimmed with intellectual adventure, real-world accomplishment and service to the nation. A great American, he never stopped working for a better democracy and his seminal contributions mark a way forward beyond the wayward path on which we now find ourselves as a nation.

I have known Dan for almost 25 years and he meant a tremendous amount to me, as he has to all the Public Agenda veterans who had the opportunity to get to know him. I've never met anyone with such penetrating insights into the big problems and patterns of the times and who was so generative of pragmatic and wise ideas and solutions.

A classic example of Dan’s mind at work was his trenchant response to Robert McNamara’s belief that he could quantify success in Vietnam through body counts. Dan dissected this thinking as only he could. “The first step,” he wrote, “is to measure whatever can be easily measured. This is OK as far as it goes.” Then he goes on:

The second step is to disregard that which can't be easily measured or to give it an arbitrary quantitative value. This is artificial and misleading. The third step is to presume that what can't be measured easily really isn't important. This is blindness. The fourth step is to say that what can't be easily measured really doesn't exist. This is suicide.

Will Friedman, Daniel Yankelovich, Cyrus Vance Jr.

His many seminal insights have enlightened us on the difference between raw public opinion and wiser public judgment; the stages people go through to achieve the latter; the factors that help or hinder them in doing so; and what all of this means for democracy, public policy, social change, research and leadership.

When visiting him in San Diego, he’d offer something to drink, cookies and a sun hat from a collection that had built up over the years. You’d settle into a chair on the peaceful patio behind his house and ideas would pour forth in his gentle Boston accent, remnant of the poor Dorchester kid he once was. He’d discuss under-appreciated trends, wrong-headed solutions, unseen business opportunities or his latest project (“You’re writing another book?”).

Dan worked steadily, even relentlessly, to put his ideas into practice throughout his highly-productive life. He led numerous landmark studies, authored 13 books, advised presidents and founded or cofounded numerous enterprises. I am proud and humbled that in his last book, Wicked Problems, Workable Solutions, published in 2014, he wrote:

Founding the Public Agenda has come to hold a special meaning for me. [It] is dedicated to making our democracy work better through engaging the public in the truly important issues of the times...To my mind, the Public Agenda is just the kind of institution the nation needs to reboot our democracy.

In that same book he also wrote:

It takes more than just voting to make democracy work. It takes a responsible, thoughtful public voice. All Americans should be conscious of how precious—and fragile—our democracy is. Participating in making it a more just and effective problem-solving institution is a privilege, and ought to be a source of immense personal satisfaction.

It is indeed a privilege to work for a more just and effective democracy, and our own special privilege at Public Agenda to build on Dan's fruitful ideas. For us and so many others it is a sad moment, but also one to celebrate a brilliant life. Then it will be time to get back to work, for there is much to do.

If you would like to make a contribution to the Yankelovich Center at Public Agenda to help us carry on Dan's work, you can do so here. Thank you!

NOTES FROM FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES

I was greatly saddened by the recent passing of Daniel Yankelovich. A thinker ahead of his time, his ideas about improving the way we “do” democracy were enlightening, practical and realizable. His notion of “coming to public judgement” – and then translating that into decisions and policies – influenced my thinking and played a major role in shaping the Reforming Democracy measures we have introduced in South Australia in recent years. Mr Yankelovich’s work will continue to resonate among those who are interested in bold ideas, in truly anticipating change, and in fostering a form of government that is responsive, that places trust in the commonsense judgement of citizens and that is fit for our modern world.

- Jay WeatherillPremierSouth Australia

I was greatly saddened by the recent passing of Daniel Yankelovich. A thinker ahead of his time, his ideas about improving the way we “do” democracy were enlightening, practical and realizable. His notion of “coming to public judgement” – and then translating that into decisions and policies – influenced my thinking and played a major role in shaping the Reforming Democracy measures we have introduced in South Australia in recent years. Mr Yankelovich’s work will continue to resonate among those who are interested in bold ideas, in truly anticipating change, and in fostering a form of government that is responsive, that places trust in the commonsense judgement of citizens and that is fit for our modern world.

- Jay WeatherillPremierSouth Australia

Dan was a unique and important individual, whose work made a real impact on our country and on public policy. He will long be remembered.

- Mitchel WallersteinChair of the Board of DirectorsPublic Agenda

Dan was a unique and important individual, whose work made a real impact on our country and on public policy. He will long be remembered.

- Mitchel WallersteinChair of the Board of DirectorsPublic Agenda

We will remember, especially in these times, Dan's optimism about the American public's fundamental capability of good judgment, and what the public needs to reach it.

- Robert Y. ShapiroBoard MemberPublic Agenda

We will remember, especially in these times, Dan's optimism about the American public's fundamental capability of good judgment, and what the public needs to reach it.

- Robert Y. ShapiroBoard MemberPublic Agenda

We mourn his passing; we celebrate his life...

- Shirley MalcomBoard MemberPublic Agenda

We mourn his passing; we celebrate his life...

- Shirley MalcomBoard MemberPublic Agenda

I am confident I can speak for all us of who worked on the Reforming Democracy agenda in South Australia in saying that the lasting emotion we will have is one of immense gratitude for Dan's life's work.

- Matt Ryan Director, Public Policy+StrategyThe Australian Centre for Social Innovation

I am confident I can speak for all us of who worked on the Reforming Democracy agenda in South Australia in saying that the lasting emotion we will have is one of immense gratitude for Dan's life's work.

- Matt Ryan Director, Public Policy+StrategyThe Australian Centre for Social Innovation

Public Agenda in the early 90's was my graduate school. To live out this man's ideas in the sandbox he and Cyrus Vance created, was and is for all my days, a tremendous honor. With Deborah, Jean Johnson, Steven Farcus and many others, we got to live Dan's ideas -- challenging media to be better, and everyone to have more discernment with regard to polling, its proper use, how to tell real from trumped up, and how to model civil, civic debate that values all voices.

This man's ideas saved my life and gave it purpose and a career that is way more cool than I ever dreamed and for which I give thanks everyday. And I barely met him. God speed, rest in peace, and know that your ideas give many hope, knowing that we -- the people -- are so much better than the moments we are currently living ....

Public Agenda in the early 90's was my graduate school. To live out this man's ideas in the sandbox he and Cyrus Vance created, was and is for all my days, a tremendous honor. With Deborah, Jean Johnson, Steven Farcus and many others, we got to live Dan's ideas -- challenging media to be better, and everyone to have more discernment with regard to polling, its proper use, how to tell real from trumped up, and how to model civil, civic debate that values all voices.

This man's ideas saved my life and gave it purpose and a career that is way more cool than I ever dreamed and for which I give thanks everyday. And I barely met him. God speed, rest in peace, and know that your ideas give many hope, knowing that we -- the people -- are so much better than the moments we are currently living through. SHOW LESS

- Scott B. Swenson

Public Agenda in the early 90's was my graduate school. To live out this man's ideas in the sandbox he and Cyrus Vance created, was and is for all my days, a tremendous honor. With Deborah, Jean Johnson, Steven Farcus and many others, we got to live Dan's ideas -- challenging media to be better, and everyone to have more discernment with regard to polling, its proper use, how to tell real from trumped up, and how to model civil, civic debate that values all voices.

This man's ideas saved my life and gave it purpose and a career that is way more cool than I ever dreamed and for which I give thanks everyday. And I barely met him. God speed, rest in peace, and know that your ideas give many hope, knowing that we -- the people -- are so much better than the moments we are currently living through.

- Scott B. Swenson

Several of us who worked at Public Agenda in the early days recently wrote to Dan. We’d like to share our letter:

A MESSAGE FOR DAN FROM JEAN JOHNSON, JOHN DOBLE, AND JOHN IMMERWAHR, AUGUST 2017

Dear Dan:
The three of us – Jean, John Doble, and Immer – recently got together in New York, and the conversation turned to a question: “Think of an event that changed the course of your life and the difference it made?” And all three of us had the same answer. It was our experience with Public Agenda that profoundly touched us and transformed the rest of our lives in ways we never anticipated. Those years, when we were working with you and learning from you, were some of the most fascinating and stimulating in our lives. They opened new pathways for us. It was a privilege and an honor. Non....

Several of us who worked at Public Agenda in the early days recently wrote to Dan. We’d like to share our letter:

A MESSAGE FOR DAN FROM JEAN JOHNSON, JOHN DOBLE, AND JOHN IMMERWAHR, AUGUST 2017

Dear Dan:
The three of us – Jean, John Doble, and Immer – recently got together in New York, and the conversation turned to a question: “Think of an event that changed the course of your life and the difference it made?” And all three of us had the same answer. It was our experience with Public Agenda that profoundly touched us and transformed the rest of our lives in ways we never anticipated. Those years, when we were working with you and learning from you, were some of the most fascinating and stimulating in our lives. They opened new pathways for us. It was a privilege and an honor. None of us will forget those days.
In our own ways, we’ve each incorporated so much of what we learned from you in our own careers — Immer as a teacher and philosopher, John Doble as a playwright, Jean and John in our work with Public Agenda, Kettering, and the National Issues Forums (NIF).
We don’t know if you’ve been able to keep up to date on NIF. The work is actually remarkable, and it wouldn’t be taking place without you, Dan — without your ideas and contributions. In colleges and universities, K-12 schools, libraries, senior centers, churches, and community organizations nationwide, people are using choicework to wrestle with tough issues of all kinds. People are, as you recommended so many years ago, looking at benefits and trade-offs. The approach you developed, working with Public Agenda and Kettering, is an integral part of university and high school courses across the country. There are tens of thousands of Americans who are now using your ideas to think about how to solve problems and work together. To us, these people offer one of the best hopes for our country in these difficult times.
So the three of us – sometime we call ourselves the tres amigos -- just wanted you to know how much we value all that we learned from you — and how many other people do as well.
With great admiration and affection,
Immer, John, and Jean

Several of us who worked at Public Agenda in the early days recently wrote to Dan. We’d like to share our letter:

A MESSAGE FOR DAN FROM JEAN JOHNSON, JOHN DOBLE, AND JOHN IMMERWAHR, AUGUST 2017

Dear Dan:
The three of us – Jean, John Doble, and Immer – recently got together in New York, and the conversation turned to a question: “Think of an event that changed the course of your life and the difference it made?” And all three of us had the same answer. It was our experience with Public Agenda that profoundly touched us and transformed the rest of our lives in ways we never anticipated. Those years, when we were working with you and learning from you, were some of the most fascinating and stimulating in our lives. They opened new pathways for us. It was a privilege and an honor. None of us will forget those days.
In our own ways, we’ve each incorporated so much of what we learned from you in our own careers — Immer as a teacher and philosopher, John Doble as a playwright, Jean and John in our work with Public Agenda, Kettering, and the National Issues Forums (NIF).
We don’t know if you’ve been able to keep up to date on NIF. The work is actually remarkable, and it wouldn’t be taking place without you, Dan — without your ideas and contributions. In colleges and universities, K-12 schools, libraries, senior centers, churches, and community organizations nationwide, people are using choicework to wrestle with tough issues of all kinds. People are, as you recommended so many years ago, looking at benefits and trade-offs. The approach you developed, working with Public Agenda and Kettering, is an integral part of university and high school courses across the country. There are tens of thousands of Americans who are now using your ideas to think about how to solve problems and work together. To us, these people offer one of the best hopes for our country in these difficult times.
So the three of us – sometime we call ourselves the tres amigos -- just wanted you to know how much we value all that we learned from you — and how many other people do as well.
With great admiration and affection,
Immer, John, and Jean

- Jean JohnsonSenior AdvisorPublic Agenda

I first met Dan in the fall of 1971. I was a first-year Ph.D. student in the NYU psych department. He was an adjunct professor and successful head of the firm that, then, bore only his name. I was assigned to be his graduate assistant. I was brash and opinionated as only a young grad student can be. He was patient and wise. He took me under his wing, when others would have thrown me out on my head. I worked with, and then for, him for the next five years.
As others have said of their connection to Dan, the experience transformed my life. He provided the raw data for my dissertation and sat on my committee. He showed a faith in me that I didn’t have in myself. While I never had a formal class with him, he taught me more than any teacher I ever had.
One of his earliest lessons to....

I first met Dan in the fall of 1971. I was a first-year Ph.D. student in the NYU psych department. He was an adjunct professor and successful head of the firm that, then, bore only his name. I was assigned to be his graduate assistant. I was brash and opinionated as only a young grad student can be. He was patient and wise. He took me under his wing, when others would have thrown me out on my head. I worked with, and then for, him for the next five years.
As others have said of their connection to Dan, the experience transformed my life. He provided the raw data for my dissertation and sat on my committee. He showed a faith in me that I didn’t have in myself. While I never had a formal class with him, he taught me more than any teacher I ever had.
One of his earliest lessons to me, when I was being the ever-critical grad student, was, “You know, it’s not helpful when you point out a problem but don’t also suggest a solution.” I like to think I learned that lesson. I know he lived by it.

I first met Dan in the fall of 1971. I was a first-year Ph.D. student in the NYU psych department. He was an adjunct professor and successful head of the firm that, then, bore only his name. I was assigned to be his graduate assistant. I was brash and opinionated as only a young grad student can be. He was patient and wise. He took me under his wing, when others would have thrown me out on my head. I worked with, and then for, him for the next five years.
As others have said of their connection to Dan, the experience transformed my life. He provided the raw data for my dissertation and sat on my committee. He showed a faith in me that I didn’t have in myself. While I never had a formal class with him, he taught me more than any teacher I ever had.
One of his earliest lessons to me, when I was being the ever-critical grad student, was, “You know, it’s not helpful when you point out a problem but don’t also suggest a solution.” I like to think I learned that lesson. I know he lived by it.

- Rick KendallFormer Student of Dan'sRetired

So sorry to see this. It is a loss for our entire community.

- Michael LawrenceExecutive Vice President, ConsultingGFK

So sorry to see this. It is a loss for our entire community.

- Michael LawrenceExecutive Vice President, ConsultingGFK

So sorry to hear about this loss for your company. Such incredible innovations and advancements that Dan has contributed to our social science discipline.

- Donato VaccaroVice President, ConsultingGFK

So sorry to hear about this loss for your company. Such incredible innovations and advancements that Dan has contributed to our social science discipline.

- Donato VaccaroVice President, ConsultingGFK

Dan was a public intellectual in the grandest sense of the term. And a patriot – a man who devoted so much of his time and energy to making our country a more perfect union. His life's work enriched all of us. Forever.

- John Dobleformerly Research DirectorPublic Agenda

Dan was a public intellectual in the grandest sense of the term. And a patriot – a man who devoted so much of his time and energy to making our country a more perfect union. His life's work enriched all of us. Forever.